The Montana Athletes in Service (MAIS) Award recognizes outstanding collegiate student-athletes who demonstrate exceptional dedication to their communities through volunteer service. Nominated by their colleges’ athletic directors, these remarkable students go above and beyond their commitments in the classroom and on the field, court, or track. Through their generosity, leadership, and willingness to serve, they embody the spirit of community engagement and inspire those around them. We proudly celebrate their accomplishments, their commitment to others, and the lasting difference they make in their communities.
Our 2023 Awardees
Madison Miller
Salish Kootenai College | Women’s Basketball
Madison Miller
Salish Kootenai College | Women’s Basketball
Madison “Maddie” Miller is a senior at Salish Kootenai College studying Health Promotion Practices and playing women’s basketball. Dedicated to food sovereignty and community well-being, Maddie volunteers weekly at the campus food pantry, Food Box Fridays, local greenhouses, and community fundraisers. Contributing approximately 30 hours of service each week, she demonstrates remarkable generosity and commitment to ensuring others have access to food and resources. For Maddie, giving back is simply an essential part of community life.
Brynne Hitchcock
Montana State University | Alpine Skiing
Brynne Hitchcock
Montana State University | Alpine Skiing
Brynne Hitchcock is a senior studying Hospitality Management and competing in alpine skiing. Deeply committed to strengthening the Bozeman community, she dedicates 10–15 hours each week to volunteering with local nonprofits and supporting events such as Haven’s Christmas Stroll and Story Mill’s story time. Through her involvement in nonprofit committees and community activities, Brynne demonstrates thoughtful leadership, generosity, and a passion for bringing people together. Her service reflects her vision of a stronger, more connected Bozeman.
Ben Held
Carroll College | Football
Ben Held
Carroll College | Football
Ben Held is a redshirt junior at Carroll College studying Biology and Chemistry while playing football. With over 200 hours of community service, he mentors youth through local organizations, supports Special Olympics athletes with the Helena Halos, and serves as vice president and treasurer of Carroll’s Special Olympics Club. He also advocates for safer campus communities and volunteers with local faith-based programs. Through his compassion and leadership, Ben builds meaningful relationships and demonstrates the lasting impact of service.
Sydney Hansen
MSU Northern | Women’s Basketball
Sydney Hansen
MSU Northern | Women’s Basketball
Sydney Hansen is a senior at MSU-Northern studying Elementary and Health Education while playing women’s basketball. A dedicated volunteer, she participates in nearly 20 service projects annually, from highway cleanups and library assistance to community fundraisers and holiday events. Originally from Big Timber, Sydney understands the importance of giving back to small communities. As a church youth teacher, she also inspires young learners, combining her passion for education with a commitment to serving others.
Jaylee Azure
Fort Peck Community College | Basketball, Volleyball, Softball, Cross Country
Jaylee Azure
Fort Peck Community College | Basketball, Volleyball, Softball, Cross Country
Jaylee Azure is a sophomore at Fort Peck Community College studying General Studies and Cultural Art while competing in basketball, volleyball, softball, and cross country. Passionate about youth development and community wellness, she organizes basketball camps, coaches young athletes, and supports visitors at the FPCC Wellness Center in Wolf Point. Through her dedication to teaching teamwork, sportsmanship, and healthy living, Jaylee inspires others to build confidence, develop new skills, and embrace active lifestyles.
Trajon Cotton
University of Montana | Football
Trajon Cotton
University of Montana | Football
Trajon has dedicated over 170 hours to serving the University of Montana and surrounding communities. His volunteer work spans youth mentorship, diversity advocacy, mental health initiatives, voter engagement, and community wellness programs. Through organizations such as the YMCA, United Way, and the National Marrow Donor Program, he strives to uplift others and inspire future generations. Guided by his belief in leaving a positive footprint wherever he goes, Trajon exemplifies compassion, leadership, and dedication to service.
Kasidy Yeoman
Montana Technological University | Basketball
Kasidy Yeoman
Montana Technological University | Basketball
Kasidy Yeoman is a sophomore at Montana Tech studying Pre-Nursing and playing basketball. Passionate about serving the Butte community, she contributes over 20 hours each semester to projects supporting people of all ages, including United Way’s Dress a Child, the Belmont Senior Center, and Head Start. She also mentors young athletes through school activities and serves as a youth and high school softball umpire. Through her generosity and leadership, Kasidy sets a positive example both on and off the court.
Tyann Graham
Miles Community College | Women’s Basketball
Tyann Graham
Miles Community College | Women’s Basketball
Tyann Graham is a second-year student at Miles Community College studying Small Business Management and playing women’s basketball. As President of the Student Athletic Advisory Council and a Resident Assistant, she leads by example. With over 60 hours of service, Tyann mentors elementary students, supports literacy activities, visits seniors, and helps with summer basketball camps. Passionate about building children’s confidence, she gives back to the community that supports her and inspires young athletes to believe in themselves.
Seth Buckman
Flathead Valley Community College | Logger Sports
Seth Buckman
Flathead Valley Community College | Logger Sports
Seth Buckman is a sophomore at Flathead Valley Community College studying Small Business Management and competing in Logger Sports. Through Underwater Soldiers, he supports scuba diving therapy for veterans and first responders while helping keep local swimming areas clean. He also volunteers with Crisis Intervention Training, sharing insights on veterans experiencing trauma and PTSD. Contributing 10–20 hours of service each semester, Seth leads by example, believing that helping others begins with recognizing a need and taking action.
Cody Harrington
Dawson Community College | Cross Country, Track & Field
Cody Harrington
Dawson Community College | Cross Country, Track & Field
Cody Harrington is a second-year Welding student at Dawson Community College competing in cross country and track and field. With over 100 hours of volunteer service, he helps neighbors by mowing lawns, shoveling snow, and making emergency roof repairs for elderly residents. He also supports the Glendive Trap Club and mentors young athletes through running and wrestling. Cody asks for nothing in return, believing that even the smallest act of kindness can make someone’s day better. His generosity reflects a simple philosophy: “Well then, why not?”
Briana Toineeta
Little Big Horn College | Women’s Basketball
Briana Toineeta
Little Big Horn College | Women’s Basketball
Briana “Bri” Toineeta is a sophomore studying Human Services and Counseling while playing women’s basketball. Balancing full-time work, school, and raising three children, she still dedicates 15–25 hours each week to serving the Crow Agency community. From coaching youth basketball and officiating games to community cleanups, teepee raising, and group walks, Bri brings positivity and humor to everything she does. Her commitment reflects a belief in the power of community participation to enrich lives and bring people together.
Tanner Harrell
Montana Western | Football
Tanner Harrell
Montana Western | Football
Tanner Harrell is a senior at the University of Montana Western studying Education Studies and playing football. As President of the Association of Student-Athletes, he dedicates 40–45 hours each semester to community service. From reading to elementary students and assisting elderly neighbors to volunteering with Engine 18 and participating in community events, Tanner leads with generosity and enthusiasm. Guided by his philosophy to “leave it better than you found it,” he strives to make a lasting difference in the Dillon community.
Kaitlyn Landwehr
MSU Billings | Cheerleading & Stunt Team
Kaitlyn Landwehr
MSU Billings | Cheerleading & Stunt Team
Kaitlyn Landwehr is a sophomore at Montana State University Billings studying Elementary Education and Art Teaching while competing in Cheerleading & Stunt. Contributing 60 hours of service each semester, she supports youth programs, community festivals, suicide prevention initiatives, and local nonprofits. Her creative talents shine through projects like a large-scale painting for the Montana Meth Project. Kaitlyn serves with compassion and generosity, striving to make everyone feel welcomed, valued, and supported.
Lauren Rodacker
Dawson Community College | Volleyball & Track
Lauren Rodacker
Dawson Community College | Volleyball & Track
Lauren Rodacker is a sophomore at Dawson Community College studying Mathematics and competing in volleyball and track. With over 60 hours of community service last year, she supports local events, fundraisers, and families in need. As a student ambassador and dedicated mentor at Washington Middle School, Lauren especially enjoys connecting with young people and encouraging them to be themselves. Whether in Glendive or her hometown of Billings, she brings enthusiasm, kindness, and a genuine love of community to everything she does.
